Yanks notes: Nova facing season-ending surgery

Jacoby Ellsbury, scoring in the first inning on a Derek Jeter single, went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

BOSTON – Ivan Nova has been recommended to undergo Tommy John surgery, the anticipated result of his examination Tuesday by the Yankees’ team physician.

Manager Joe Girardi has already tabbed lefty Vidal Nuno to fill Nova’s spot in the starting rotation. The only unresolved matter is Nova’s official decision.

"I don’t know if he’ll go for another opinion or what he’ll do. That’s a player’s option," Girardi said at Fenway Park, prior to the three-game series opener against the Red Sox. "I’m sure it’s the last thing he wanted to hear and sometimes it takes a little while to sink in before you make a decision."

Under the supervision of Dr. Chris Ahmad, the right-handed Nova underwent an MRI arthrogram at New York Presbyterian Hospital that confirmed the original diagnosis of a partially torn right ulnar collateral ligament.

A downcast Nova, 27, had said that the injury occurred on a fifth-inning pitch Saturday at Tampa Bay, in a 16-1 Yankees loss in which Nova yielded four home runs.

"I’ve got to keep working hard if I want to get back as soon as possible," Nova said Sunday, prior to the official recommendation of the season-ending surgery. But there was still the looming probability of reconstructive elbow surgery, with a 12 to 18 month timetable for return.

"We’ll wait to hear what his decision is," Girardi said. "Obviously, it’s a big blow, but someone else has to step up."

That someone is Nuno, 26, who turned in five scoreless innings Sunday – his first start since being plucked from the bullpen – in a 5-1, 12-inning win at Tampa Bay.

"He’s our fifth starter now," Girardi said of Nuno, whose turn comes up again Saturday against the Angels at Yankee Stadium.

BRIEFS: Prior to the game, closer David Robertson (groin) was activated from the 15-day disabled list. The right-hander said he felt physically ready to pitch by about last Wednesday. He conducted a simulated inning and bullpen session over the weekend. "Everything went great," Robertson said. "No problem."

Ichiro Suzuki, a .333 (17-for-51) career hitter vs. lefty starter Jon Lester, got the starting nod Tuesday night over Brett Gardner and went 2-for-4. … The UConn men’s basketball team was honored for its national championship and Roxbury, Mass., native Shabazz Napier threw out a ceremonial first pitch.